Operation Cisco

Coulson sat in the dark expanse of his office, looking over the classified pictures of Agent Avery’s murder. Despite it being the early hours of the day, Coulson insisted to bask inside, the only light coming from the small lamp on his desk.
A silent sigh escaped him. It had been a few days since he had broken the news to Skye. He had told her every single detail he could possibly give her against Agent May’s wishes, but only because it was necessary. Too many secrets had been kept from him before and Coulson wasn’t going to let a young, troubled woman like Skye suffer the same desperate suspense in finding answers as he did…even if it did bring about a painful truth.
He had also mentioned the situation to Director Fury, who was less than pleased at having someone who attracted danger and death regularly at S.H.I.E.L.D. The only reason protecting Skye’s presence at S.H.I.E.L.D. was the fractured trust that Coulson had in Fury since the truth about Tahiti was revealed. That trust needed to be patched back up in one way or another and letting Skye stay was the only way.
However, Coulson did recognize his value to Fury, so much so that he had refused to let him die like he had wanted. Several operations and replaced memories? That said a lot about the mastermind behind the plan. But long-term grudges weren’t in Coulson’s nature.
There was a quiet knock on the door and all of the crime scene pictures were quickly put away and stowed off to the side.
“Come in,” Coulson answered. The door opened to show Skye, her expression subdued, slowly making her way to the chair in front of his desk.
“Hey,” she said, taking a seat, “Are you okay?”
Coulson nodded, quickly glancing at her before shifting his attention to another set of papers. He shuffled them absentmindedly, trying to maintain his usual calm.
Skye sighed, knowing that Coulson was still troubled about his resurrection from the dead. “Look, I know you’re still a bit in shock about what they did to you and your memories, but we need you to cooperate again. All day. Not just brood in the morning and go back to normal during the day. We all need you,” Skye pleaded.
Coulson paused for a few seconds and finally looked directly at her. He knew that she was right, but something in him still wasn’t ready to completely forget what happened. But maybe could put a little bit more effort in holding himself together.
“You’re right, Skye,” Coulson agreed firmly, “I’m being selfish. Having memories erased and your life readjusted is not something to brood about at all.”
Skye opened her mouth to speak, but no sound came out for a few seconds.
Eventually, she managed to speak, “Coulson, I didn’t mean it like that.”
“No, it’s fine. I needed it,” Coulson assured, giving a small smile at her. Skye returned the smile, glad that she didn’t unintentionally offend Coulson. Especially after all he had done for her.
They both heard footsteps and Skye saw Coulson’s eyes go to the door. She turned to see Melinda May standing stiffly in the open doorway, one hand on her hip and her gaze fixed on Coulson.
“Sir, sorry to interrupt,” May quickly glances at Skye then returns her attention back to Coulson, “but we need you on the main level.”
Nodding, Coulson made his way out of his office. Skye’s eyes followed him and soon, all three of them where in the Grand Central Station of the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility. The normal hustle and bustle was going on, agents hushing everywhere to do god knows what.
“Where’s Agent Ward?” Coulson asked.
“He should still be down here. I saw him earlier,” May answered, her eyes scanning the area. “Uh guys, Agent Ward up ahead,” Skye said, motioning to him.
Catching sight of the group, Grant Ward swiftly walks over to them, his face with the usual stone-like seriousness.
“Coulson...” he said.
“Ward,” Coulson replied.
Agent Ward’s eyes looked both ways before he leaned over towards Coulson, “Listen, we have a situation,” he whispered.
Coulson nodded, glancing at May before addressing Ward, “What kind?”
“We have to talk somewhere else.”
Coulson, May, and Skye all followed Ward to another room to make sure other ears wouldn’t hear the “situation” he was referring to. Whatever it was, it had to be good.
“What’s the problem, Ward?” Coulson asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
Agent Ward sighed, taking a classified file off of the counter and sliding it towards Coulson.
“I found this. It’s our next assignment.”
Coulson opened the file and looked at the date on it, “We’re four days late on this.”
“I know, but it just now appeared today.”
Coulson didn’t understand. Missions were always imperative and were always assigned the second they were created. He turned his gaze to May, who was poised, her arms crossed, and focusing on the file.
“Do you know the meaning of this?” he asked her, making her eyes go to him.
“I have no idea. But it seems that something…or someone is messing with our communication systems,” May answered plainly.
Skye raised her eyebrows, “Well it’s not me.”
“We know,” Coulson replied, “It’d have to be someone who’s been here long enough to understand our systems inside and out.”
“That could be anyone,” Ward said.
“I know.”

Notes

*All Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. characters belong to Marvel and Joss Whedon! The Mandarin and [the mentioning] of Tony Stark also belong to Marvel! However Agent Terri Stark belongs to me!*